The state government has released a list of nearly 350 occupations it believes are priorities for Western Australia for future workforce planning.
The state government has released a list of nearly 350 occupations it believes are priorities for Western Australia for future workforce planning.
The list covers all workforce sectors from farming, to retail and further afield to arts, health and resources.
Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier said the list would be a valuable tool in ensuring WA could attract and retain a skilled workforce.
"The State priority occupation list identifies jobs that are currently in strong demand in WA," Mr Collier said.
The occupations are given three possible ranking, top, high, or priority.
The criteria for the top priority jobs are very large levels of employment; high forecast growth and evident wage pressures; high levels of skill; longer education or training lead times; clear education and training pathways; and/or a clear and evident skills shortage.
166 occupations on the list fit the top priority criterion.
Professionals in the design, engineering, science, transport sectors and health sectors are the most sought after on the list.
Technicians and trade workers in engineering, ICT, science technologies and construction are also highly wanted.
The priority occupations are characterised by generally smaller employment sizes; low or negative employment growth; lower required levels of skill and training requirements; and/or evident non-training related industry issues which are contributing to labour shortages.
"The department will continue to review the status of occupations on the list based on evidence provided by training councils and industry," said Mr Collier.
In addition to the State priority occupation list, the department is developing a State Migration Plan, which will include a Skilled Migration Occupation List that identifies occupations recommended for general migration into WA.
Mr Collier said the State Government was planning for the future now, to ensure future skills shortages were minimised and employment and training opportunities maximised.
"With a number of projects planned or already under way in WA, it is important we develop a skilled workforce to support the State's economic growth," he said.
"The Government will continue to take a collaborative planning approach to ensure WA has the right people in the right place at the right time."
